application faqs

Who can submit to verge?

Anyone can submit a project to VERGE! Adults, children, professional artists or those looking to create their first piece! Anyone who can bring their project to VERGE by their own means, install, and de-install it when the event is over can submit a project to VERGE.

What kind of projects are suitable for verge?

Art can include but is not limited to:

Performance art

Sculpture

Street theater

Dance

Inflatable art

Installations

Mobile art

Games

Arts & Crafts

Sound Art

Interactive lectures

Costumes

Interactive Musical Projects

​Community building projects

﻿Or anything else your imagination can come up with! Three dimensional sculptural installations are also common as the participant’s experience of the piece alters as he or she moves around it. Please do remember that VERGE is an event for people of all capabilities when deciding on subject matter for your project. Projects can be located inside or outdoors, depending on the application and first come, first serve.

We generally do not accept traditional “wall art” such as finished paintings or photography and do not have space to display such works. Artists working in those genres are encouraged to find a way to engage VERGE participants in creating such works. Displaying such works inside a larger sculptural installation, collaborating with a performance art event, or creating some other participatory experience that involves your process are a few examples of how you can adapt your process to engage viewers.

To help get you started, here are some examples:

Host a workshop and teach others how to make their own pieces of art using your methods.

Integrate a performance element into your piece/invite a collaboration.

Host an activity with your process.

Create a new piece of work at VERGE and involve the audience in its creation.

Create an immersive installation

What are the deadlines?

We accept applications on a rolling basis until October 1, 2018. We are happy to work with you to fine tune your proposals.

Can I sell my artwork/music/artistic work at VERGE?

YES! We will have a Marketplace open on the day of VERGE where all Project Leaders and participants can bring their artwork, music, and other goods. We will market your work to all attendees.VERGE will take a modest 10% commission on all sales in an effort to perpetuate the festival in future years. Visit our Marketplace page for more details.

How can i help out with all the nuts and bolts?

We would love your help! Fill out a contact form on our Volunteer Page and we will be in touch.

Can I DJ or play my music at VERGE? ​

If you would like to play your music at VERGE, we recommend getting together with friends to propose a project as a collective, and/or create a proposal for an interactive musical project

Can I collect email addresses for my mailing list?

Yes, you may collect addresses as part of your project, but we ask that you manage your list and make it clear to attendees that they are signing up for your non-VERGE related mailing list.

ARE tables, chairs, and rain shelters provided?

Not at this time. Please bring any and all tables, chairs, or pop-up tents/rain shelters that you need to make your project a success. If that is impossible, please let your need be known to your assigned curatorial member. We will work with you to make sure you have the resources needed to create your ideal project.

Before I submit MY APPLICATIOn, what do I need to do? ​

Please review our project guidelines to insure your project is interactive. Ensure you or someone on your team is available on October 20, 2018 to install and maintain your project for the entire event, and to de-install your project at the end of the day. Make sure your project is going to leave no permanent trace or damage behind. We want to be good neighbors by making sure we leave the Hatch and Midtown better than it was before.

How will we evaluate project submissions for VERGE?

﻿The VERGE Curatorial Team is primarily concerned with the suitability of your project for our location at the Hatch and whether your project is interactive, as opposed to artist experience, education or previous exhibitions of your project. We want you to have free reign over your project and be able to give you the best space possible. Artists of any age or experience are welcome to be a part of VERGE as long as the project is interactive and does not violate local rules.

When reviewing applications, the Curatorial Team will consider the following:

Is it interactive?

Is it suitable for the location?​

Will you be able to maintain it the whole length of the project/festival?

Is the project feasible for your budget?

After I have submitted, how will I communicate with my curator?

The VERGE Curators communicate with artists primarily by email. You will need to check your email account regularly for communications from your curator, especially in the weeks leading up to the event. Please note that VERGE is run entirely by volunteers. It may take your curator a few days to respond to messages. Please be patient and respectful with your curator. Any updates or changes to your project’s information will be made by your curator after communicating with you.

Can we hang this (sign, art, string, etc.) from a tree or building?

If it’s very light, yes. But we cannot, under any circumstances, risk any damage to the trees or buildings. So please be gentle, and use a method of attachment that will not leave a mark or scar in any way. Please check with your curator before hanging and to learn what methods and locations have been approved.

Can I bring compressed gas?

Please notify your curator if any projects involve compressed gas.

Can I bring Animals?

Yes, but they must be leashed and accompanied at all times.

Can I sell Alcohol and/or Food?

There are designated areas for all food vendors. Vendors must stay within these zones. VERGE JXN 2018 will be the only vendor selling beer so we cannot allow any outside alcohol sales.

​If you have an idea for VERGE and have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. No matter what you do, the only requirement is that it somehow engages audience interaction. We encourage you to experiment! Just bring your project to VERGE, try it out, and see what happens!